Been married many years Both retired about ten years ago I’ve always been very active and had an exciting difficult job He’s always gone the easy route in life and was not ambitious and not very social We have GC duties now that are quite exhausting He’s happy just to sit in front of the TV every night and is totally absorbed in that I’ve never been that way Feel like I’m missing out on variety I’ve put a lot in place and joined things to offset the boredom/routine but sometimes don’t have as much energy these days after childcare etc There’s a miss match here I’m getting rather fed up with I do a lot on my own these days but can miss out on adult conversation Any ideas welcome I guess we are unlikely to change in our preferences
, I think your husband is just tired, lots of women put their grandchildren way before their husband and before you know it your worn out and old. 'My husband died at sixty I would have loved to do things just the two of us.
My parents had my sisters kids every day after school, as well as bringing home washing & ironing as the husband didn’t want washing on his radiators. They would book holidays abroad to get a rest- they could never understand these older couples moaning that they couldn’t wait to get home, mum would ask why, they would say “ we miss looking after the grandchildren” ha.
Better the devil you know, I would say. Make your own life & try cut back on the child minding, from what I’ve heard from friends who moan, it can be a thankless task.
Looking after DGCs is a time limited occupation (sadly). Keep yourself occupied and as busy as you'd like to be and offer gentle encouragement to DH to keep up friendships and other interests. That way you'll always have something to talk about.
Horti has never been back to say whether the advice has been helpful or useless, neither has she returned to answer any questions raised which might have resulted in more specific advice for her. I find that quite rude, personally.
I have realised that I hardly ever go out in the evenings as all the activities I joined now take place in the day time and social events are either morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Trips to the cinema are afternoon, but last week I went to an open-air production and didn't arrive home until way past 11pm. It was quite exciting, driving home alone in the dark and seeing the deer strolling in the lanes (and not nearly so much traffic!)
Horti. I’ve just been reading through this thread and noted that you haven’t responded to any of the comments GNs have made, or answered any questions. It would be polite if you at least thanked people for their input, following your request for ideas.
Sorry I’ve had a period of ill health so was unable to respond I do appreciate all the advise I’m only just able to read it all Certainly not being rude … things happen …
*Horti*. I’ve just been reading through this thread and noted that you haven’t responded to any of the comments GNs have made, or answered any questions. It would be polite if you at least thanked people for their input, following your request for ideas.
Now I’m starting to feel better again I’m reorganising myself to do more interesting activities
This spurs me on to have things in the diary to look forward to
I still help a lot with the GC but if I’m pre booked with something I am not as available I will always be available for work cover This works better than being constantly available hanging around waiting for a call which is what I was doing at one point and not achieving much myself
It’s a tricky balance
I’m genuinely grateful for all your input
Punctuation is not that important in my book I’m surprised at that comment
Horti Sorry for my earlier comment, I hadn’t picked up on your response. Pleased to hear that you’re feeling better now and are organising more interesting activities, My OH and I have many separate activities, but it seems to work for us most of the time. I hope it works out for you and your husband.
I like getting dressed up to go out too I don’t want to just live a domesticated life I find it dull There are things you can do that don’t cost a lot Walking groups , local theatre etc I’m seeking things out and getting out there Tv is ok some evenings but not all